This site is created to inspire, motivate and to promote a healthy lifestyle by sharing my passion in cycling and running. Advice, training and product reviews to help you achieve your goal in crossing that finish line.

The weather
here in Northern California has been iffy for the past few weeks. I’m not a big
fan of the heat so I do most of my runs and cycling early in the morning. It is
strange how some mornings could be so cold but not the later part. Buff sent me few of their products to test
out that could be used on cold and hot weather conditions. Let’s start with the
most common tubular head gear that Buff is known for, the Lightweight ¾ Merino Wool.

Main Features

•100% eco-friendly Merino wool

•¾ length

•Semi seamless

•Soft and comfortable

•Dries quickly and breathable

•Odor resistant

•One size fits all

The construction
of this Merino wool is similar with the rest of the Buff tubular products
except that this one is made out of wool (polyester is the other material).
It’s quite contrary to the old thinking that wool is itchy and uncomfortable to
use. The technology has greatly evolved and this is one comfortable tubular
headgear that you should have especially on cold days. It helps preserve the
warmth when it gets wet but it doesn’t hold the moisture as much as the
polyester. I have both (polyester and wool) type of Buff and the difference is
the amount of moisture and the cooling effect each provides. I was completely
happy and satisfied with the polyester materials that I previously tested but
the wool material provides much better cooling and warmth effect on both
conditions.

Buff has created
a new line up of gears for protection under the scorching heat of the sun. This
apparel may not be “news” to some since most companies have already created quite
similar product. However, those arm sleeves are for compression purposes and
may not be suitable to wear during hot condition. This is where the Buff UV Arm Sleeves differ, the construction of the material
is not that thick in comparison with other brands and not as compressive. The
material used is more subtle and lighter but provides great defense against
heat and cold breeze. Though it may not be that compressive, it still provides
enough compression and still aids the arm from getting tired and prevent early
stage of fatigue especially during long runs. You can practically wear this to
fight the morning cold breeze and even leave it on comfortably all day for a UPF
40+ protection from the sun. You can also strip it
down easily or have it all the way down to your wrist when you don’t feel like
wearing it for a moment. And when it’s time you need it, just pull it up and
you’ll get the protection you need.

I tested it many
times on trails and even on my late afternoon cycling rides and I was really
impressed. There’s no reason why you would leave your arms unprotected
when you can have this.

In addition to the two gears on topis theCoolMax 1 Layer Hat. It provides great protection to my
head especially on those early morning runs and bike rides by regulating
certain amount of heat escaping thru my head. It’s basically like a beanie but
on the slim slide. As the name implies, it’s one layer so it doesn’t have the
thickness you’ll see on a regular beanie or skull cap which is notorious in
trapping the heat and makes my head toasty. This 1 layer hat is so efficient in
wicking the moisture out, plus it pulls away my sweat and perspiration faster than
any cap in my possession. I also love the versatility of the hat that I can easily
stash it into my pocket or crumpled it on my hand if I decided to take it off. It’s
very lightweight yet it gives ample protection from cold wind and harmful UV of
the sun.

My Verdict

I’ve been
running and cycling for many years now and I have to say that proper gears (and
apparels) do make a difference in performance. Buffis a brand that I was not familiar
with when I started doing these endurance sports but I’m truly happy to know
them not because of some athletes wearing it but by how great the quality of
their products. I can honestly say that Buff is equally good and even better
compared to some other known brands that could cost twice as much. Give these
items a try and I hope that you’ll like them more than I do.

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About Finish Line Fever

Finish Line Fever is created and authored by Ferdinand Batatan. I'm just a regular guy like most of you who enjoys being active. Born and raised in the Philippines and migrated to the United States after finishing my college. I served in the U.S. Air Force and more importantly, I am a husband and father of two beautiful kids.